Cindy Crawford recently opened up about her brief foray into acting during the 1990s, sharing insights at the Forbes Power Women’s Summit 2026. Speaking to Moira Forbes, the renowned model and businesswoman reflected on her limited roles in film, acknowledging that despite their lack of success, these experiences were valuable learning opportunities.
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Crawford, now 60, gained her acting experience through a few notable roles, including appearances in the 1995 film ‘Fair Game’ and the 1998 production ’54’. During her conversation at the summit, she candidly discussed how her modelling career inadvertently led to these opportunities in film. “As a model, when you’re on the cover of magazines, scripts start coming your way,” she explained. This attention, however, did not translate into the acting career she may have hoped for.
The model recounted her first audition, where she was handed a script by acclaimed director Mike Nichols. “He said, ‘Can you read this?’ and I started reading,” Crawford recalled. Her literal interpretation of Nichols’ words led to a realisation: “Oh, he meant, like, I should actually perform this. I wish he would’ve said that.” This experience highlighted the complexities of transitioning from modelling to acting, where performance and interpretation play vital roles.
During her time in film, Crawford faced significant criticism, particularly for her performance in ‘Fair Game’. She admitted that the harsh scrutiny made her acutely aware of her limitations as an actress. “I realised in doing that film, I’m very comfortable in front of the camera being Cindy Crawford,” she stated. The pressures of embodying a character rather than simply being herself proved challenging for the supermodel.
This journey led Crawford to a pivotal decision. She recognised that her strengths lay in modelling, where she could express her authentic self without the constraints of a script. “For me professionally, it was like, ‘I can shut that road,’” she explained, describing how the decision to cease pursuing acting was liberating. Her newfound clarity allowed her to focus on areas where she felt more competent and fulfilled.
Crawford’s experiences serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of career paths, especially in the glamorous world of entertainment. While she concluded her efforts in acting, her daughter, Kaia Gerber, is embarking on her own acting journey. The model expressed pride in her daughter’s confidence, noting how Gerber seemed more self-assured at the same age than Crawford had been.
Reflecting on her own hesitations in youth, Crawford related how she had shied away from pursuing opportunities like school plays due to insecurity. In contrast, Gerber, now 25, is boldly stepping into the industry, having recently featured in the highly anticipated tenth season of ‘American Horror Story’. Her burgeoning career also includes a role in the 2023 film ‘Bottoms’ and a current stint in Ryan Murphy’s new FX series, ‘The Shards’.
Despite her own challenges in acting, Crawford remains an encouraging figure for her daughter. She has emphasised the importance of confidence and self-belief, traits that Gerber appears to possess in abundance. Gerber’s success signals a fresh chapter for the Crawford family and showcases the evolving landscape of acting, particularly for emerging talents.
As Cindy Crawford continues to thrive in her modelling and business ventures, her reflections on acting serve as a source of inspiration for others navigating similarly uncertain career paths. Her ability to adapt and refocus energy on what truly resonates with her encapsulates the essence of personal growth and resilience.